Use Your Garage Door as an Emergency Exit

How to Use Your Garage Door as an Emergency Exit During Power Outages

Garage doors are often a primary point of entry and exit for many households, especially those with attached garages. However, during power outages, electric Garage Door Openers become non-functional, potentially leaving you stranded.

Understanding how to manually operate your garage door in such situations is crucial for safety and convenience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to use your garage door as an emergency exit during power outages and provide important safety measures to keep in mind.

Why Manual Operation Knowledge Matters

Power outages can occur unexpectedly due to storms, natural disasters, or infrastructure failures. While many modern garage door systems have backup battery options, not every household is equipped with this feature. Knowing how to operate your garage door manually ensures that you and your family can leave your home safely during an emergency or access your vehicle if needed.

Why Manual Operation Knowledge Matters

Steps to Open Your Garage Door Manually

Operating your garage door manually is straightforward if you follow these steps carefully.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Ensure the Garage Door is Fully Closed

• Before you begin, make sure the garage door is completely closed. Attempting to disengage the automatic opener while the door is partially open can cause it to crash down, leading to damage or injury.

2. Locate the Emergency Release Cord

• Inside the garage, look for a red cord or handle hanging from the garage door opener rail. This is the emergency release cord, designed to disconnect the door from the motorized system.

3. Pull the Emergency Release Cord

• Firmly pull the cord downward. This action disengages the garage door from the automatic opener, allowing you to operate it manually. You may hear a clicking sound as the mechanism releases.

4. Lift the Garage Door

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and lift the garage door with both hands. Use a steady, even motion to prevent jerking or misalignment. Be prepared for the door’s weight; if it feels unusually heavy, there might be an issue with the springs or tracks.

5. Prop the Door Open if Needed

• Once the door is open, ensure it stays in place. Some garage doors may remain in the open position due to the tension in the springs, but others might need to be propped open. Use a sturdy item like a wooden block or ladder to hold the door securely.

Steps to Close the Garage Door Manually

Once you’ve used your garage door as an emergency exit, you may need to close it manually. Here’s how:

1. Lower the Door Slowly
   • Using both hands, carefully pull the door down. Ensure that it moves evenly along the tracks to prevent it from becoming unaligned.
2. Secure the Door
   • Once closed, some garage doors have a manual lock that you can engage to secure the door until power is restored. If your door lacks this feature, consider installing a manual locking system for added security.

Reconnecting the Garage Door to the Opener

After the power is restored, you’ll need to re-engage the garage door with the automatic opener. Follow these steps:

1. Ensure the door is fully closed.
2. Pull the emergency release cord back toward the motor until you hear it click into place.
3. Test the automatic opener by pressing the button on your remote or wall-mounted control. The door should function as usual.

Safety Measures During Manual Operation

While using your garage door manually during a power outage is straightforward, there are safety measures to keep in mind:

1. Avoid Forcing the Door:
   • If the door doesn’t open smoothly, stop and inspect the tracks, springs, or rollers for damage. Forcing the door can worsen the issue or lead to injury.
2. Use Proper Lifting Techniques:
   • Always lift with your legs, not your back, to avoid strain. If the door is too heavy, seek assistance.
3. Keep the Area Clear:
   • Ensure that no one, especially children or pets, is standing beneath the garage door while you operate it.
4. Inspect the Door Regularly:
   • Routine maintenance can prevent issues during emergencies. Check for worn springs, misaligned tracks, and other problems.
5. Install a Backup Battery:
   • If your garage door opener supports it, consider adding a backup battery. This feature ensures functionality even during power outages.

Additional Tips for Emergency Preparedness

To ensure your garage door is ready for emergencies:

• Practice Manual Operation:
  • Familiarize yourself and your family with the process of disengaging and operating the garage door manually.
• Keep the Area Well-Lit:
  • Store a flashlight or battery-powered lantern in the garage for easy access during power outages.
• Perform Regular Maintenance:
  • Schedule periodic inspections with a professional technician to ensure your garage door system is in good working condition.